2001 2.5L Engine Swap Manual vs. Auto Trans
Asked by Robby Aug 31, 2016 at 03:19 PM about the 2001 Subaru Outback Base Wagon
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I have a 2001 Outback 2.5 with a manual trans and tired engine. I also
have a wrecked 1999 Outback with a much lower mileage 2.5 and an
automatic trans. I would like to move the engine from the wreck into my
2001 but wondering if the electrics will be compatible? For instance, the
auto has an EGR system that my 2001 does not have. Is this an issue or
will it simply run disconnected? Will the computer in my 2001 be happy with
the 1999 engine? Any knowledgeable comments are appreciated.
7 Answers
Not advisable to transfer engines unless bolts line-up precisely and you can check w/ junk yard to see if those years align or just call your dealership part shop they will help you but no licensed mechanic will do this due to liability issue
You will need the change the transmission, and in order for this to work you will need to change your ECM. At that rate it will be cheaper to buy a rebuilt 2001 engine.
I'm not as familiar with the outback.. check www.opposedforces.com and play around with the models you have and check the code ranges for your engine(s) and the year range of what they allow in their engineering. EGR was kind of weird on these (at least early forester - and only on one/two cylinders.. really weird imo). And yeah, from what I've read, you can run an EGR engine on non-egr ecu and it won't know, obviously, like you already guessed. Keep in touch, I'm subscribed ;)
TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 7 years ago
Walth's got this one. But if i remember correctly you can't go in the reverse swap direction.
Actually, I found two ways to correct it if you put a non EGR engine in an EGR car. It's been hit and miss on the pre-00 ish impreza's...I think? It's been a while. But on the fozz it should work with an air recirc line that just pushes air from the front of the intake thru the EGR and then into the throttle body. Like, it doesn't have to be real EG but just air flow. And the other fix is to drill the hole, tap it and install an EGR... which is probably the way I'll go with my engine when I get there. I posted a ? about it a while back on here.
TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 5 years ago
This query might merit its own thread, eh? Early Subarus with the 2.2i motor were "de-stroked" to 2.0 for sale in the EU. I used to see a few in the UK especially, as there was a significant tax savings for staying under the 2.0L limit. The old 1.8i was used similarly. I do NOT know if the wimpy modern 2.0 (Impreza/Crosstrek) is ever used in the larger Legacy/OB chassis. That would REALLY be very underpowered...especially with the CVT.
